14 Hawaii Candidates Running Unopposed — Want to Challenge Them?

How many candidates will win in Hawaii without a fight? It’s up to you.

By Loren Moreno

Published: 2014.05.16 08:09 PM

Photo: Odeelo Dayondon

In the spirit of a healthy democracy (voters need choices), we combed through the state Office of Elections latest candidate filing report to find races where candidates are so far running for state offices without a challenger. Nearly all of the unopposed are incumbents and have the kind of name recognition that might scare off potential newcomers. Still, without a challenge, these candidates win by default.

There are just about two weeks left to file nomination papers and maybe give some of these unopposed candidates a run for their money. The filing process is fairly simple—candidates for the state Legislature and for City Council need to collect 15 nomination signatures and pay a fee. A full description of the filing process can be found here.

Admittedly, we’re a little Oahu-centric. But if you’re curious as to who is running unopposed on Neighbor islands, download the latest filing report here.

State Senate District 16 (Pearl City, Aiea)

Only City Councilmember Breene Harimoto has pulled papers for this seat, indicating he may run as a Democrat. This seat is currently held by state Sen. David Ige, who is running for governor.

State Senate District 17 (Waipahu, Pearl City)

State Sen. Clarence Nishihara (D), the incumbent, has indicated he will run.

State House District 17 (Hawaii Kai, Kalama Valley)

State Rep. Gene Ward (R), the incumbent, has indicated he will run.

State House District 24 (Makiki, Tantalus, McCully, Manoa)

State Rep. Della Au Belatti (D), the incumbent, has indicated she will run.

State House District 26 (McCully, Kaheka, Kakaako, Downtown)

State Rep. Scott Saiki (D), the incumbent, has indicated he will run.

State House District 29 (Kalihi, Palama, Chinatown)

State Rep. Karl Rhoads (D), the incumbent, has filed papers to run.

State House District 30 (Sand Island, Mokauea, Kapalama, Kalihi Kai)

State Rep. Romy Cachola (D), the incumbent, has filed papers to run.

State House District 31 (Moanalua, Red Hill, Fort Shafter, Aliamanu)

State Rep. Aaron Ling Johanson (R), the incumbent, has filed papers to run.

State House District 32 (Moanalua, Salt Lake)

State Rep. Linda Ichiyama (D), the incumbent, has indicated she will run.

State House District 34 (Pearl City, Waimalu, Pacific Palisades)

State Rep. Gregg Takayama (D), the incumbent, has indicated he will run.

State House District 37 (Mililani, Waipio, Waikele)

State Rep. Ryan Yamane (D), the incumbent, has indicated he will run.

State House District 39 (Royal Kunia, Village Park, Waipahu)

State Rep. Ty Cullen (D), the incumbent, has indicated he will run.

State House District 46 (Wahiawa, Whitmore Village)

State Rep. Marcus Oshiro (D), the incumbent, has indicated he will run.

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About Our Writers

This is HONOLULU Magazine’s take on politics. We know our readers are smart, savvy people who vote. Of course, we’ll follow the issues, the players and the money. But we’ll also keep an eye out for the quirkier stuff: Who’s winning the yard-sign wars, campaign survival tips; and check out the food and the fashion on the campaign trail. The section is edited by HONOLULU Magazine editor Robbie Dingeman, a political junkie who has covered Hawai‘i state, county and federal politics for more than 25 years at two daily newspapers and one television newsroom.

Treena Shapirohas been covering state and county government in Hawai‘i for 15 years, primarily writing about politics and education for two daily newspapers and three wire services. She is now a producer for “Insights on PBS Hawai‘i,” a weekly public affairs program that airs Thursday evenings.More from Treena »